Resources

A reflective report on LISC creative placemaking projects in four cities shows how community development intertwined with arts and culture can uplift neighborhoods, and bring excitement, income, pride and inspiration to the people involved.

A case study of the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, in a Richmond, CA building refurbished with LISC investment, uncovers multifaceted returns for the surrounding community: young people are reaping the benefits of arts instruction imbued with the values of mutual respect and social justice. And the renovated center, coupled with expanded cultural programming and public improvements nearby, has laid the groundwork for commercial renewal along an adjacent corridor.

A new report from LISC’s Creative Placemaking team looks at how our investments in artists, art-related businesses and cultural organizations have fueled economic development in surrounding communities. An investigation into six programs, in places ranging from rural Louisiana to New Haven, Connecticut, reveal that arts and culture can form a critical strand in a comprehensive economic strategy and strengthen the social fabric and dynamism of a community at the same time.

LISC has outlined a comprehensive set of policy proposals spanning 11 different federal agencies—all focused on helping families build a strong future, while supporting robust economic growth. This is work that cannot wait. It is critical to our national economy, as well as to the outlook for tens of millions of American families.